She came from Providence
The one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows
Hang heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams like a refugee
Just as her father came across the sea
She heard about a place people were smilling
They spoke about the red mans way
And how they loved the land
And they came from everywhere to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stay or a place to hide
Down in the crowded bars
Out for the good time
Can't wait to tell you all what its like up there
They called it paradise
I dont know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
While the town got high
Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
Through the canyons of the coast to the Malibu
Where the pretty people play
Hungry for power
To light their neon ways and give them things to do
Some rich men came and raped the land
Nobody caught em
Put up a bunch of boxes and Jesus people bought 'em
They called it paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun sinking in the sea
You can leave it all behind and sail to Lahaina
Just like the missionaries did so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white mans burden down
Brought the white mans reign
Who will provide the grand design ?
What is yours and what is mine ?
Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here
We satisfy our endless needs
And justify our bloody deeds
In the name of destiny
And in the name of God
And you can see them there on Sunday morning
Stand up and sing about what its like up there
They call it paradise
I dont know why
You call some place paradise
Kiss it goodbye